WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BOOK A SESSION?

To book with me, you will simply send me an email. Once we chat and figure out a date, I will send you an invoice for the deposit to hold your spot. For newborn sessions- Your due date goes on the calendar so I know your newborn session is coming up and we pick a date/time when your baby arrives.

 

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT AND WHEN IS THE REMAINING DUE?

I require a $50 deposit to hold your spot on the calendar. This amount goes toward the total amount of your session. This is non-refundable, but is good for 6 months if we need to reschedule!  The remaining balance is due on or before your session takes place. 

 

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

Yes! Just ask. Full amount still needs to be paid before your session takes place.

 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I BOOK?

The more advance, the better! It is never to early to reach out about booking. During busy seasons, I typically book 2-3 months in advance!

 

HOW SOON WILL I GET MY PHOTOS AND HOW DO I GET THEM?

After your session, I work on editing and making your photos perfect. I will have the photos done within 1 week from your session date, and will be in touch with you when I send them! When they are done, I will email you a link to the online gallery! My gallery is designed for you to be able to download and also share directly to your social media! As part of your session cost, you will have full print rights to the photos! If you do share on social media, I ask you give photo credit by simply tagging @KateBucklesPhotography on Facebook or Instagram

​

WHERE SHOULD I HAVE MY PICTURES TAKEN?

​There are TONS of great locations for your session and I am happy to help you find the perfect spot to make your vision come true. Do you want a nature/woods/bosque look?  Do you want water or mountains or desert cactus? Do you want an urban/downtown look? The Botanic Garden or other public area? I can recommend different places based on your vision for the photos, or if you have a special place in mind, I am happy to make that a reality!
Some locations require permit fees and/or entrance fees that you will be responsible for, of course I will let you know as we are deciding on a location about these!
If you are hoping for a location outside of the Albuquerque area, there will be a small travel fee.

​

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO TAKE MY PICTURES?

Depending on your location, the best time of day in right before sunset, this is when the lighting outside is perfect! When the sun is low in the sky it makes for ideal lighting and a beautiful background that glows with beauty. Of course, depending on time of year this will change as the sun sets at different times.  As we schedule your session I will let you know when the perfect time is, and of course we can discuss to make sure your needs are met!

​

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Yourself ready for a fun session! You are not required to bring anything, however you are more than welcome to bring along any props/mementos you would like. I am more than happy to incorporate these things as much as we are able! At the start of your session let me know what you have and we will make a plan to make sure we get the perfect shots with them!
If you have small kids, I have also found that talking beforehand about what we will be doing is super helpful! I have even had families “practice” with their kids, and as silly as it seems, it helps a lot! Small treats they can eat during the session is also a great idea, just make sure it is something that is not staining or messy like M&M’s or chocolate! My favorite is gummy bears!

​

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

This is a tough question and one that I get asked a lot! My basic idea is wear what you love and what you feel comfortable in.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose!

YES:

• Decide beforehand how dressy or casual you want the photos to be and plan your outfits accordingly.

• Choose a color theme and choose clothes with this in mind

• Wear something that is a neutral color.

• Coordinate colors.

Avoid:

• Matching colors completely.

• Wearing bright/neon colors.

• Wearing logos or clothing with a lot of text.

​

​

WHAT TIME FRAME DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS?

Between 32-36 weeks.

​

DO YOU HAVE MATERNITY DRESSES TO USE OR DO I NEED TO BUY MY OWN?

I do have several maternity dresses you are welcome to look at and use if you would like.  I have also found many options on Amazon for reasonable prices which work great for these sessions!

 

HOW OLD ARE THE BABIES WHEN YOU PHOTOGRAPH THEM?

I like to photograph babies between 2-14 days old. This is the prime time when they are still able to be squished up. There are special circumstances and I am a bit flexible if the baby was born early or was in the NICU, so no worries there!

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE NEWBORN SESSION?

Nothing! I supply everything you we will need for the perfect newborn session! If you have props you would like to bring, just let me know and we will plan how to incorporate them the best we can! When you book your newborn session, you will receive an informational email so we can have the best session possible!

​

WHAT IS A BIRTH DOULA?

Doula is a Greek word literally meaning "woman servant." As your doula, I will be there to physically and emotionally support you, encourage you, help you advocate for yourself throughout your pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum period. Each client wants something different for their birth, so you define my role as your doula! As you doula, I am not just there at you birth, but from the moment you hire me so you can forget about google and just shoot me a text!

​

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?

A midwife comes to your birth as a medical professional. They are trained to support, but their main job is to monitor mom and baby during labor, catch the baby during birth, and provide immediate postpartum care. A doula is not trained to do any clinical tasks such as monitor heart-rate, blood pressure, cervical checks, or catch the baby. A doula is there solely to provide a high level of support for mom and her birth partner.

​

CAN'T MY MOM/PARTNER/FRIEND DO ALL THAT?

Your partner knows you, and I know birth. A doula is trained to help laboring mothers and their partners! Partners need support as well. If the partner needs to leave the room to go to the bathroom, or make a call, a doula will ensure the mom is not left alone. This is also such a great way to have your partner more involved instead of not knowing how to help you! As your doula, I can help guide your partner to support you better, giving ideas and suggestions to help facilitate beautiful support between the two of you!

​

HOW WILL A DOULA HELP MY PARTNER?

If your partner has to leave the room for whatever reason, they don't have to worry that you are alone ever. Not everything is left for the partner to take care of either. If you want to hold someone's hand and get a massage, there will be two support persons to make that possible for you. If you want your partner by your side the whole time, I can get you water or ice chips or tend to other tasks while they stay with you.

​

I WANT A DOULA BUT MY HUSBAND ISN'T ON BOARD YET.

This is actually really common! Many partners feel more comfortable after a meet and greet where they can get all of their questions and concerns addressed. Free, no-obligation consultations are offered for this reason. It is also very important for you and your partner to feel 100% comfortable with the doula you are hiring, so I suggest having consultations with multiple doulas before deciding! I will fully admit, I am not the right person for everyone, and want you to know we are the right fit!

​

I WANT A MEDICATED BIRTH, CAN I STILL BENEFIT FROM A DOULA?

Yes!!! A doula supports all different birth experiences. I can help with different positioning to help baby descend quicker, I can grab water for you, take pictures, and still be a big emotional and informational support for you. Your need for support does not diminish just because you have a medicated birth!

​

WHAT IF I END UP WITH A CESAREAN SECTION?

If I am allowed to go back to the OR with you, I will, but usually only one partner is allowed. I will explain the process to you before going back when you get out I will be there to support you in any way I can. Often in these situations a birth doula is even more important, there is a lot going on, and I can be your support in questions and care!!

​

HOW DOES A DOULA HELP POSTPARTUM?

After baby is born, I will assist you in breastfeeding and make sure your breastfeeding relationship is off to a good start, making sure you are comfortable, feed you snacks, and help you adjust before leaving. I will also have a hour visit with you within a few days of babies birth! I will check in on you and make sure you are doing well in your transition and answer any questions you may have!

​

I WANT A DOULA BUT I'M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD ONE.

I offer flexible payment plans to everyone! I also offer a baby registry, an amazing way to have friends and family help you out financially!! It is a large investment, but it is also an important one. I don't want price to be the main reason why you can't hire a doula!

​

​

​

​

Please note that images are selected and edited at my discretion. I reserve the right to edit and release only those images deemed creditable as professional in quality and within my artistic standards. All photos are presented in color, and at my discretion certain images will be changed to black & white. Any changes or additional editing requested by the client may be subject to a fee. Original, unedited or "raw" images will not be released.